Walnuts market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African walnut market expanded from 178 thousand tons in 2018 to 189 thousand tons in 2020, driven by the scaling up of local processing capacities. The installation of new walnut oil production plants in Burkina Faso, with daily outputs of 1 to 3 tonnes, signaled increased investment in the value chain, boosting demand for walnuts as raw material. Concurrently, a shift in consumer preferences towards ultra-processed foods created additional demand for walnuts as ingredients, supporting market growth even as domestic production fluctuated.

Market volume accelerated sharply to 206 thousand tons in 2021 and reached 224 thousand tons by 2023, fueled by the commercialisation and concentration of African agriculture. The growing influence of the food industry led to larger-scale operations and investments, which raised both production and imports. At the same time, regulatory efforts to curb ultra-processed foods and promote healthier diets increased the appeal of walnuts as a natural product, further stimulating consumption.

In 2024, walnut imports rose to 51.3 thousand tons, continuing the upward trend amid heightened consumer focus on health and wellness in markets like South Africa. Extreme weather events, including El Niño-induced drought, posed challenges for local oilseed production, potentially increasing reliance on imported walnuts. Regulatory pressures for greater transparency in food systems also shaped market dynamics, reinforcing the demand for sustainably sourced nuts.

Production walnuts in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Africa produced 163.6 thousand tons of walnuts, marking a 1.3% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports walnuts from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 10.2-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Africa's walnut exports reached 1 325 tons, reflecting a substantial increase of 115.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 129 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 76.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 374.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates were the top buyers of walnuts from Africa, accounting for 35.0%, 10.7%, and 9.9% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 55.6% of total exports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export volumes varied, with a 3.3-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2017. In 2020, Africa exported walnuts worth 1 693 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual increase of 3.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 591 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 69.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 175.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates played leading roles in the value of walnut exports from Africa, accounting for 19.0%, 18.1%, and 15.5% of exports in value terms, respectively. Together, they made up 52.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports walnuts to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Walnut imports to Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 26 921 tons, showing an improvement of 17.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 203.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 44.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and China remained the main sources for walnut imports to Africa in kind, accounting for 43.8%, 28.1%, and 12.6% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 84.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported walnut volumes to Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Africa imported walnuts worth 1 693 thousand US dollars, marking a gain of 18.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 141.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and China remained key partners in the value of walnut imports to Africa, accounting for 42.3%, 26.4%, and 11.6% of imports in value terms, respectively. Together, they accounted for 80.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020